Ch-6 The Obliterator-Class Star Dreadnought-5

I nodded at them, allowing a small smirk to form as my confidence grew.

"Alright," I said casually, my voice carrying just the right amount of authority.

"We've got a lot to do, and I'll need to understand what each of you brings to the table. Red Empress," I turned to her, my tone sharpening with purpose, "arrange a meeting with the strongest and most capable individuals from each group."

I had already taken note of my 10,000 crew members, observing how they were naturally divided into eight distinct groups, each seemingly led by a figure that stood out even among these exceptional individuals. Even at first glance, I could tell they weren't just competent—they were special.

Red Empress bowed slightly. "Of course, Master."

Without wasting time, I activated the teleportation system, instantly transporting myself back to the command center. The familiar hum of the ship's core surrounded me, but my mind was already focused on what came next.

Meanwhile, back in the massive awakening chamber that was actually ship one of the bigger hangers, the Red Empress remained with the crew. Her gaze swept over them, her presence alone commanding absolute attention.

"Leaders of each group, please step forward."

Eight figures moved without hesitation.

Even without scanning them, I had already formed a rough idea of their strengths:

The first was a woman, her battle-worn armor and piercing gaze marking her as a warrior who had seen countless wars firsthand. A survivor of the battlefield, one who knew the price of victory.

The second carried himself with a quiet yet undeniable presence, the kind possessed by those who had led armies before. A born commander.

The third radiated an aura of intelligence, a scholar whose mind likely rivaled even the most advanced AI in terms of tactical and scientific knowledge.

The others… each unique in their own way—specialists, geniuses, warriors, and strategists. The pillars upon which my fleet would be built.

Red Empress snapped her fingers, and in an instant, a sleek watch materialized on every crew member's wrist.

"These devices," she explained, "are connected to the ship's navigation and communication systems. They will guide you to your assigned cabins and provide you with mission updates when necessary."

She raised her hand in a simple yet elegant gesture. "The rest of you, follow the directions displayed on your watches. Dismissed."

As the crowd dispersed while mingling among themself and introducing themselves to each other, the Red Empress teleported herself and the eight group leaders to the command center, where Kallus awaited them.

I stood from my command seat, smiling warmly. "Welcome to the command center. Please introduce yourselves."

The first to step forward was a middle-aged man with sharp features, his presence exuding intelligence and confidence. His piercing gaze reflected the mind of a born genius, a scientist whose knowledge was as vast as the stars.

"Fleet Commander Kallus," he said, his voice steady and firm. "My name is Tyler."

He paused briefly before continuing. "I am the Chief Researcher and lead technician of this fleet. Under my command are 999 of the finest scientists and engineers, each one eager to push the boundaries of technology. With your guidance, we can revolutionize the R&D division and elevate our fleet to unparalleled heights."

I was quite surprised by Tyler's enthusiasm and his bold vision to push the boundaries of technology. A hint of satisfaction flickered in my eyes as I glanced at him before speaking.

"I commend you for your passion and vision, Chief Researcher," I said, my tone firm yet appreciative. "I do not doubt that, under your experienced and talented leadership, our 999 finest scientists and engineers will propel us to new heights. This is our first step toward building a fleet of our own—one that will shape the future."

To this, he nodded in appreciation. "Thank you for your trust, Commander. I will not let you down," Tyler replied with determination.

"There is no need to thank me, Chief Researcher," I said. "Through this, you will also have the opportunity to prove your competence."

With that, our conversation came to an end, and he stepped back, making way for the next person to come forward.

Next came a stunning woman, not far from the level of the Red Empress in presence. Her striking green hair and matching emerald eyes reflected the essence of nature itself, complementing her calm and composed demeanor.

"I am Jesika, the Chief Doctor," she introduced herself, her voice smooth yet authoritative. "My expertise lies in genetics and other advanced medical sciences. I oversee 500 medical professionals under my command, ensuring the well-being of our fleet."

A tall man in a crisp military uniform stepped forward, a badge on his chest marking him as a space fighter pilot. He carried a quiet yet undeniable presence—the kind possessed by those who had led armies before. There was no doubt he was a born commander.

"Ezra Tanno, Commander of the Fighter Division," he introduced himself, his voice steady and authoritative. "I lead a team of 1,000 elite pilots, among whom are highly capable leaders and skilled support personnel."

Following him was another man in a military uniform, his jet-black hair neatly kept, and his piercing eyes radiating the aura of a seasoned warrior. His presence alone commanded respect.

"I am Marcus, Commander of the Armed Forces, specifically the Marine Division," he introduced himself, his voice firm and unwavering. "I lead 4,000 soldiers, among whom are highly capable leaders and brilliant strategists."

Then stepped forward a woman with radiant blue eyes, white hair, and an aura of authority that I instinctively felt connected to. "Fleet Commander, my name is Emma. I am the Grandmaster Knight. Under my command are 19 Grandmaster Knights, 80 Master Knights, 150 Elite Knights, 250 Knights, and 500 Apprentice Knights. We are the fleet's special forces, capable of sensing and absorbing mana an application of Dark Matter."

A man with dark hair but strikingly vibrant blue eyes stepped forward.

"Fleet Commander, I am Damien, Commander of the Mecha Division," he announced, his voice steady and confident. "I oversee 500 mecha pilots and engineers."

The moment he mentioned the Mecha Division, my eyes widened slightly as excitement surged within me. Mechas had a unique charm over me—just like spaceships did. For a brief moment, I imagined towering war machines clashing in battle, but I quickly suppressed my enthusiasm, maintaining a composed demeanor. With a simple nod, I acknowledged him.

Next was a slightly older man with a rugged appearance. "My name is Evans. I am the Fleet's Resource and Industrial Head. I lead a team of 1,500 engineers, miners, and workers."

Finally, a petite woman with a bright smile stepped forward. "Fleet Commander, I am Liliana, the Chief Chef. I oversee a culinary team of 500 to ensure the fleet is well-fed and energized."

I looked at each of them, my heart swelling with a mixture of pride and excitement. "Thank you all for your introductions. I am honored to lead such an extraordinary group. Together, we will achieve greatness."

The eight leaders bowed respectfully, their determination clear. With my core team assembled, I felt the first real step toward my destiny had been taken.

I leaned back in my command seat, my eyes scanning the eight leaders who now stood before me. "Gentlemen and ladies, I've come to know your names and roles, but I am deeply curious about each of you—your capabilities, your divisions, and what you bring to this fleet. However," I paused, "those discussions will have to wait. There's much to do."

I turned to the Red Empress, a faint smile playing on my lips. "Red Empress, take us to the discussion room."

The Red Empress bowed slightly. "As you wish, Master." With a wave of her hand, the group disappeared from the command center and reappeared in a pristine conference room.

The room was sleek and futuristic, its polished white surfaces gleaming under the soft lighting. At the center stood a circular table with nine seats, the largest and most commanding chair reserved for Kallus. The eight leaders took their places around the table, while the Red Empress stood behind me, her holographic form glowing faintly.

"Red Empress," I said, "show us where we are."

The Red Empress raised her hand, and a hologram materialized above the table, displaying a detailed view of the surrounding space. The image revealed an asteroid-rich sector not far from a familiar solar system.

"Master," the Red Empress began, "we are currently located in a sector near the solar system containing Earth. Based on my calculations, Earth is in the year 2026. Their space exploration has expanded significantly—they've even reached the Alpha Centauri star system. Their progress, while still rudimentary compared to ours, is impressive for their species and timeline."

I nodded, unsurprised. The Red Empress had already informed me of this earlier. "While we possess the power to dominate and destroy, brute force is not the path I wish to take. If we aim to build an empire, we need people—loyal, willing individuals. Earth is the perfect source, but forceful methods will only sow dissent and chaos. We must approach peacefully, offering a better future to those willing to join us."

The leaders listened intently, their expressions thoughtful.

"Before we proceed toward Earth," I continued, "I want each of you to focus on organizing your divisions and familiarizing yourselves with one another. This fleet is a team, and teamwork is essential."

I turned to Ezra Tanno. "Commander Tanno, I am assigning one of the Antares-Class Battleships to you and your battalion for now. Lead it with honor."

Ezra saluted sharply. "Understood, Fleet Commander," he said, his voice brimming with excitement.

My gaze shifted to Emma. "Grandmaster Knight Emma, the second Antares-Class Battleship will be under your command, along with your battalion of knights."

Emma bowed slightly, her piercing blue eyes meeting his. "It will be an honor, Fleet Commander."

I then addressed Evans, the resource head. "Evans, I want our mining machines deployed immediately. Begin extracting resources from the nearby asteroids and refining them in our ship's facilities."

"Once we have sufficient materials, activate the Dark Molecular Printers in the shipyards. Start producing starships. With the speed of the printers, an Antares-Class ship can be completed in a week. Within a month and a half, we'll be ready to move toward Earth."

Evans nodded. "Consider it done, Fleet Commander."

Finally, I turned to Tyler, head of the R&D department. "Tyler, I want your team to begin reconstructing the technologies stored in our systems—designs from the simulations and games I played back on Earth. Those technologies will serve as the foundation for our fleet's advancement. Everything must be ready by the time we leave this sector."

Tyler smiled confidently. "We'll get it done, Fleet Commander."

I leaned back, my expression calm yet determined. "This is the beginning of our journey, but I promise you all—together, we will forge an empire that will echo through the stars."

The leaders nodded in unison, a mix of resolve and anticipation in their eyes.